Dispelling Myths

A study commissioned by Got Your 6 revealed that the general population views veterans as “broken heroes” who are more likely than civilians to be unemployed, undereducated, homeless, and experience mental health issues. The reality is much more complex, and challenging these perceptions is an important step in changing the cultural narrative of veterans. Here are the facts.

FALSE

Most veterans return home with strong team building and leadership skills. When compared to the general population, veterans are much more likely to volunteer in their communities after their military service. Most veterans are looking to give back to their communities.

FALSE

According to the Department Housing and Urban Housing, veterans make up less than 10% of the homeless population. In early 2014, there were less than 50,000 homeless veterans on the streets of America—the lowest number since stats have been kept on this population.

FALSE

Veterans utilizing the GI Bill are completing degree programs at a rate (48%) similar to traditional Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS) in the general population cohort (49%). Women veterans utilizing the GI Bill benefit had a 5% higher completion rate compared to female traditional Beginning Postsecondary Students.